“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” the gas station attendant inquired as I stepped out of my vintage Porsche. Oregon’s full-service stations always lead to this moment, showing them the hidden fuel filler on my classic. “LA,” I responded. “That’s a long way in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breaking down?” “Not really,” I replied, with a touch of optimism, hoping karma wouldn’t test my confidence immediately.
The truth is, I had meticulously considered potential issues for this trip and prepared a well-thought-out tool kit and some spare parts. Owning a vintage car often means becoming your own mechanic; you develop a strong sense of what might cause trouble.
Of course, you might possess a pristine set of original factory tools in a reproduction pouch, perfect for showcasing at concours events. These Antique Car Tools are indeed impressive trunk candy. However, the real joy of owning a vintage car lies in driving it, not just displaying it.
It’s unlikely you use your classic car for daily commutes or errands. Instead, you take it to club gatherings hundreds of miles away, explore winding roads, or perhaps embark on a scenic tour like my drive up Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Portland. Long journeys in a vintage beauty offer a unique, visceral experience, unlike the insulated, media-saturated travel in modern cars.
So, leave the factory-perfect, display-only antique car tools at home. Let’s focus on assembling a practical travel tool kit. This kit should be effective for roadside repairs without being overly bulky or heavy, maximizing precious trunk space.
First, consider your journey. Is it a short weekend trip, or a multi-day, long-distance adventure? The length and remoteness of your travel will influence the antique car tools and supplies you should pack.
Screwdrivers: Seem obvious? Yes, but essential. A couple of robust flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers are perfect for tightening loose hose clamps or adjusting minor fittings on your antique car. I also recommend a small precision screwdriver set for delicate tasks, even fixing eyeglasses on the go!
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: While seemingly small, a ¼” drive socket set, along with extensions, handles and various bits, is surprisingly versatile for antique car tools. They handle many common tasks, including battery terminals and small fasteners. Include various extension lengths and a flexible extension to reach difficult hose clamps and fittings in the engine bay of your classic vehicle. Consider adding Torx bits for specific applications on older models.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Complement your ¼” set with a 3/8” drive ratchet and sockets for larger tasks. Prioritize specific sockets relevant to your antique car: a spark plug socket, lug nut socket, and perhaps a deep socket for specific bolts. A 3/8” to ¼” adapter expands versatility. Check spark plug access; if a universal joint is needed, include it in your antique car tools.
Allen Wrenches: A folding set of Allen wrenches is compact and covers most needs for adjusting and tightening set screws and fittings common in older vehicles.
Ignition Wire Pliers: These specialized pliers are crucial antique car tools for safely removing spark plug wires. They grip the boot, preventing damage to the wire itself when disconnecting it from the spark plug – essential for maintaining original ignition systems.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar paired with your lug nut socket makes tire changes significantly easier. Stuck lug nuts on older cars can be notoriously difficult to remove, and this provides the leverage you need. Plus, as a sturdy 24-inch bar, it could serve as a last-resort self-defense item!
Tire Gauge and Inflation: Another no-brainer antique car tool. Regularly checking tire pressure is vital, especially on older tires. Consider a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat for emergency repairs, and a small 12V compressor for inflating tires on the go. Maintaining correct tire pressure improves handling and safety in your classic car.
Water Pump Pliers: Ten-inch Knipex water pump pliers are incredibly versatile antique car tools. Excellent for gripping hoses, adjusting linkages, and even surprisingly useful for non-car tasks, as the author humorously notes about hotel shower heads.
Needle Nose Pliers: Electrician-style needle nose pliers with a crimping function are doubly useful antique car tools. If you already carry a Leatherman, you likely have this function covered.
Pliers and Vice Grips: Include both standard pliers and Vice-Grips in your antique car tools. Vice-Grips are invaluable for clamping hoses, temporarily securing parts, or acting as a makeshift handle or fastener in emergencies.
Wrenches: Select a few combination open/box wrenches in sizes specific to your antique car. German cars often use odd sizes and 10mm. Japanese cars frequently use 12mm. Avoid carrying a full, heavy set. Organize wrenches neatly by using a bolt, washers, and wing nut to create a compact, rattle-free bundle of your essential antique car tools.
Wiring Repair Tools: Always pack diagonal cutters, a crimper/stripper, crimp connectors, and electrical tape as part of your antique car tools. Electrical issues are common in older vehicles. A simple test light with a probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical problems.
Utility Knife: A folding utility knife is a surprisingly versatile antique car tool. Useful for trimming hoses, opening packages, or even fashioning a makeshift funnel from a plastic bottle to add fluids – minimizing spills without carrying extra funnels.
Jumper Cables: Even with a new battery, include jumper cables in your antique car tools. Unexpected battery drain can happen, and you might also be able to assist another motorist in need.
Gloves: Pack mechanic’s gloves and heavier leather gloves. Include nitrile gloves for cleaner tasks. Protecting your hands is important when working on potentially greasy or dirty antique car tools and components.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact, durable tool bag to keep your antique car tools organized and prevent them from rattling around. An army surplus bag or even a repurposed vintage bag (perhaps not a valuable Louis Vuitton until you know its worth!) can work well.
While this list isn’t exhaustive, it’s an excellent starting point for assembling a practical travel tool kit with essential antique car tools. Always consider specific tools unique to your car. Spare parts for antique car travel kits will be discussed in a future article.
